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Moran hoping to land role in Angels' bullpen

Angels GM Jerry Dipoto talks about acquiring Brian Moran, the possibility of adding another starter and how the Winter Meetings played out

By Jesse Sanchez
/
MLB.com |

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Reliever Brian Moran is attempting to become the club's first Rule 5 Draft pick to make the big league club since Derrick Turnbow in 2000.

It's already been quite a ride for the left-handed pitcher, a former seventh round pick by the Mariners in 2009.

"I'll never forget how crazy it was for a half-hour or so," Moran said of the Rule 5 Draft. "It was about seven in the morning when I saw online I was picked by [the Blue Jays' spring complex] and I was really excited because my parents have a house in Florida close by. Then 10 minutes later it all changed and I'm with the Angels. That's great, too."

Moran should be excited. The additions of Prince Fielder (Rangers) and Robinson Cano (Mariners) in the American League West have made it imperative that teams like the Angels carry additional left-handed pitchers in their bullpens. Moran fractured his right foot at the end of last season, but said he is completely healthy.

"I'm just going to keep it simple and give it my best shot," said Moran, who has a 3.06 ERA in his five-year Minor League career. "We'll just see where the chips fall."

Jesse Sanchez is a national reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @JesseSanchezMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.